The Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom has elected heads of clans as interim members of the Orukurato (Parliament) aimed at resolving a leadership impasse.
During a stakeholders meeting at the Hoima Cultural Centre on Sunday, organised by Okwiri (Chief Prince) Engineer Fred Mugenyi Ruchunya, majority of heads of clans supported the election of their peers as interim MPs of Orukurato.
The impasse had lasted for nearly a year after the expiry of the tenure of cabinet ministers and Orukurato members.
The Rucunya has also been given 14 days to appoint a new Omuhikirwa (Prime Minister) and cabinet ministers for the kingdom.
The current Prime Minister, Andrew Kirungi Byakutaga, has been directed to hand over office to kingdom authorities within one week.
Ruchunya stated that the heads of clans have reached a resolution without being forced and will implement it with immediate effect.
The meeting also saw heads of clans condemn the Royal Commission’s extension of the Prime Minister’s term, calling it “illegal.”
Dr. Baltaza Kasilivu Atwooki and other heads of clans backed the election of interim MPs.
The chief prince said the major concern for holding the above meeting and coming up with the interim members of the Orukurato was due to the increased foolery of the people who have failed to vacate the office yet their term expired, lack of accountability, indicispline, among others.
Retired Rev. Joash Aseka was elected as the interim Clerk to Orukurato (Parliament), and Elia Kugonza former chairperson for finance, planning and administration at the Orukurato as Parliament Speaker.
Interim Speaker Elia Kugonza advised the prime minister and other kingdom authorities to respect the resolutions made by the clan leaders, aiming to restore the glory of Bunyoro.
This is expected to bring stability and progress to the kingdom, ending a prolonged period of leadership uncertainty.
However, the kingdom quoting Article 246 of the constitution, said it is only the Omukama Solomon Gafabusa Iguru who makes appointments and specifies the roles of each office to support him in exercising his mandate.
The Kingdom accused the Okwiri and his executive of attempts in the past of trying to usurp the King’s powers by among others attempting to dismiss the Prime Minister, irregularly allocating kingdom properties such as land, rocks and cultural sites to individuals and institutions.
“The Kingdom administration led by the Prime Minister has firmly rejected all irregular dealings by the Okwiri which seems to have angered him and his allies and associates,” the kingdom said.
“Therefore, the resolutions of the above meeting are inconsequential and have no bearing whatsoever on any kingdom office or organ. They should be treated with the contempt they deserve,” the letter authored by Alex Katusabe, the kingdom Chief Administrative Secretary and Acting head of communication reads in parts.
